Burdekin Manufacturers In Line For Share Of $12.5m Funding

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Burdekin manufacturers could be in line for a share of a $12.5 million Queensland Government funding round aimed at helping regional businesses invest in new technology and improve productivity.

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Round Two of the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program is now open, with at least half of the available funding reserved for projects located in regional Queensland.

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The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development has confirmed Round One attracted 119 applications across Queensland, with 18 businesses receiving funding. Eleven of those recipients were based in regional Queensland, but the Department has not disclosed any Round One application or recipient figures specifically for the Burdekin.

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The latest round offers eligible manufacturers grants between $100,000 and $1.5 million, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. Applications close at 1pm on 25^th November.

The program is aimed at established small and medium-sized manufacturers looking to invest in advanced equipment or manufacturing technology, including robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and systems designed to improve production processes.

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Businesses must have between five and 200 full-time equivalent employees, a majority of their turnover must come from manufacturing, and they must have operated in Queensland for at least three consecutive years.

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For the Burdekin, manufacturing opportunities are closely tied to the region’s broader agricultural economy, including engineering, fabrication and businesses supplying equipment and services to primary industries.

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The Townsville Manufacturing Hub, which services the Burdekin, has also been increasing its focus on technology and workforce capability.

In August and September, subsidised two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer-aided design training was offered in the Burdekin for the first time, including training at the Home Hill campus. The program was designed to help local manufacturers improve digital design capability, accuracy and product development.

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The Queensland Government says Round One projects across the State are expected to create more than 300 new jobs and upskill more than 550 existing workers, although those figures are projected outcomes rather than jobs already created.

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For Burdekin businesses, the next question will be whether local manufacturers put forward projects capable of competing for the funding.

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Round Two is being delivered through a single-stage competitive process, with $12.5 million available and at least 50 per cent allocated to projects located solely in regional Queensland.

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